The Story of Marcus

Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Marcus: “Marcus. Nice to meet you.”

Steven: “Nice to meet you too, Marcus. We’re in New York City, right?”
Marcus: “Yeah, Washington Heights.”

Steven: “What do you like about it here?”
Marcus: “I like it here lots of culture, music, good food. It reminds me of better days.”

Steven: “How long have you been homeless?”
Marcus: “About five years now. It’s not a straight consistency, though. I’ve had some months where I could crash on someone’s couch or rent a room, but those never last long as you can see (laughs)”

Steven: “Do you mind asking me what led to this point?”
Marcus: “I was an electrician, so what I basically did was I worked on a lot of big buildings in the city like office towers, apartments. But then I got injured on the job like a really bad fall. It messed up my back and my leg. After that, I couldn’t do the work anymore. Worker’s comp ran out fast, and I couldn’t keep up with the rent. Once you fall behind in this city, it’s like quicksand. You can’t get back up.”

Steven: “I’ve never heard of it described as quicksand but it makes sense, especially considering how expensive New York City is. Even people who are working are struggling and living paycheck to paycheck…did you have any support system?”
Marcus: “Not really. My mom passed away when I was in my twenties, and my dad left when I was a kid. My brother…he’s doing his own thing, but we don’t really talk. It’s just me out here.”

Steven: “I’m sorry to hear that…What do you do throughout the day to keep your mind occupied?”
Marcus: “Well, I keep busy. I help out at this hardware store on 181st Street sometimes. The owner, Mr. Lopez, lets me fix things for him in exchange for food or a little cash. I can’t do heavy labor anymore, but I can still wire up a light or fix a busted lock. It makes me feel useful, especially when he thanks me for my work.”

Steven: “That’s incredible, and just from looking at you and hearing your story so far, I can already tell how talented and I just say thanks for sharing your story! Do you ever think about getting back into electrical work?”
Marcus: “I’d love to, but the injury makes it hard. Plus, I don’t have the licenses anymore. It costs money to renew them, and money’s not something I have clearly. I do know my stuff and how to fix things so if someone choose to give me a chance, you know… I can prove it to them.”

Steven: “Exactly! That’s the spirit, and I’m sure someone will give you the opportunity… do you mind sharing what’s the hardest part for you?”
Marcus: “Ohh, there’s so many but if I had to pick it would be the waiting. Waiting for things to change, waiting for a break that might never come. And the nights. They’re the worst. That’s when the regrets hit you the hardest because you just wish you were in a house.”

Steven: “What do you regret most?”
Marcus: “Not saving more when I had the chance. Not taking better care of myself. Not reaching out to people when I still had some pride left. It’s funny because when I was younger, I thought that I’ve got all the time in the world to fix things, but life just changes so quick man. You gotta be prepared.”

Steven: “Yeah, that’s a common thing I hear from other people I interviewed because anyone can become homeless. It just takes one bad thing for it to happen…do you have anyone you trust out here?”
Marcus: “Well besides Mr. Lopez, there’s this old guy named Dennis. He’s been out here longer than me, and he’s like the unofficial mayor of this block. He’s got stories for days because he used to be a jazz musician and would play at concert. He looks out for me, and I try to look out for him. We don’t talk much about the past. It’s more about getting through today.”

Steven: “That’s amazing you have to someone to talk to because you really need company every day out here. I’m glad you have Dennis and Mr. Lopez…Now is there something else you do to pass the time? ?”
Marcus: “I read a lot. There’s a library nearby, and they don’t mind me hanging out there. I’ve been working my way through old science fiction books like Asimov, Bradbury, Octavia Butler. It’s a nice escape. Sometimes, I even write my own little stories. Nothing serious, just for myself.”

Steven: “You write? That’s amazing. What kind of stories?”
Marcus: “Mostly about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Like a janitor who discovers a portal in a subway station or a mechanic who builds a robot out of spare parts. It sounds crazy so feel free to laugh at it.”

Steven: “That sounds amazing and creative! I would read it for sure once you write it. Do you ever share your stories?”
Marcus: “No, not yet. They’re not ready. But maybe one day, I’ll put them all together and see if they could be something. Who knows?”

Steven: “Yep, I’ll make sure to be the first one to read it! Is there something about your life that would surprise people? Maybe something you did in school?”
Marcus: “In school? I used to run track in high school. I was fast and almost made it to state finals. I had dreams of going to college on a scholarship, but clearly it didn’t work out. Still, when I’m walking around the city, I think about those days. Running is one of the few things I really miss.”

Steven: “It’s never too late… you can start running out here once it starts to warm up and exercise is amazing! Now, if you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Marcus: “Three wishes? Wow. First, I’d wish for my health back. If I could work again, a lot of other problems would solve themselves. Second obvious be a big house so I can help out Dennis. He can come live with me andd third would be a chance to see my brother again because he’s the only family I have left. I need to make things right before it’s too late.”

Steven: “Those are some amazing wishes that can come true, Marcus. I believe that you can accomplish all of them!”
Marcus: “Thanks, man.”